Title (Max 100 Characters)

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Clay County's Animal Care and Control just west of Green Cove Springs on State Road 16 is packed with dogs.

So much so, that a high school student reached out to First Coast News for help spreading the word so more people will adopt a dog and avoid possible euthanization.

Fifteen-year-old Clay High sophomore Alyssa Fischer volunteers at Clay County Animal Control and is sad to see so many dogs needing a home outside these cages.

"So many dogs are in the kennels, even five dogs in one cage if they are not that big so we really need people to come out and adopt, foster, rescue, anything you can do," said Fischer.

Volunteers put up a sign saying "ADOPT," using red and white cups along the fence for people to see while driving by.

Animal Care and Control Director Jennifer Broadhurst said it is the most dogs she has seen here since she took over four months ago.

"We are just getting a lot more stray dogs, there have been a lot more bites in the county, and we have to quarantine bites, especially with stray dogs, or a severe bite. We don't have an option. We have to take those in, we can't turn them away."

Broadhurst said if they can't get more dogs adopted , they'll have to euthanize some for more space.

"it is a horrible decision and to make a decision just because there is no space to euthanize a dog is not something we want to have to do," Broadhurst said.

"Working with the dogs every day, they are so sweet and so loving I just couldn't bear seeing them euthanized or anything happening to them," added Fischer.

Potential adoptees can adopt at the shelter Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clay County Animal Control will also be a part of the Mega Adoption event at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds April 25, 26, and 27th. Clay County Animal Control also has another facility in Fleming Island that is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.